Severe gusts hitting speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left nearly 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led agencies to cancel more than 100 aircraft departures, according to local media.
The winds are affecting the entire South Island and southern sections of the North Island, per the country's meteorological service.
The nation's agencies have announced rare red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in core zones such as Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been advised to avoid going outside, refrain from journeys, and prepare for additional power and communication outages.
Broad Impact and Crisis Measures
This outage appears to be affecting residences mostly in the southern region, though officials report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Domestic outlets have reported that in various locations structures have suffered roof damage, and power lines and trees have been toppled by the gusts.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on earlier this week.
Also in the capital, a individual was swept into moving cars on a road by a powerful blast, in a moment that was recorded in a widely shared car camera footage.
Aircraft services in and out of the urban area have been halted because of the gusts, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time Canterbury officials have announced a emergency situation, to assist disaster response efforts.
Labor Protests Alongside Harsh Conditions
These intense gusts on Thursday come as numerous of school staff, physicians and civil servants take part in what has been described as a "major walkout", demanding improved salaries and workplace environments.
Yet the extreme weather has pressured them to alter various scheduled activities, with several external protests relocated inside or called off.
Like conditions are affecting Australia, ushering in a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Agencies have announced flame prohibitions for fear of forest fires.
